Page 213 - Bulbul Hezar

directions for a person to succeed in that undertaking, which
was, not to look behind them before they had got possession of

the bird and cage.
When the dervise had done, the princess replied, By what I
comprehend from your discourse, the difficulty of succeeding
in this affair, is, first, the getting up to the cage, without being
frightened at the terrible voices I shall hear; and secondly, not
to look behind me: For this last, I hope I shall be mistress
enough of myself to observe it. As to the first, I own, that those

voices, such as you represent them to be, are capable of striking
terror into the most undaunted: But as in all enterprizes and
dangers every one may use art and management, I desire to
know of you if I may make use of one of great importance. And
what is that management you would make use of, said the
dervise? To stop my ears so hard with cotton, answered the
princess, that I may not hear the voices, and by that means
prevent the impression they may make upon my mind, and that
I may not lose the use of my reason.

O, madam, replied the dervise, of all the persons who have
addressed themselves to me, to know the way, I do not know
that ever any one made use of what you propose: But this I
know, they all perished. If you persist in your design, you may
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